Kano border communities under siege as bandits invade from Katsina

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano

Residents of Shanono Local Government Area in Kano State have raised the alarm over persistent attacks by bandits believed to be crossing into the state from neighbouring Katsina. The escalating insecurity, they say, has crippled farming and business activities in the area.

Communities along the Katsina–Kano border, including Faruruwa, Kuraku, Goron-Dutse, Tsaure, and Yan-Shado, have become frequent targets of heavily armed bandits who infiltrate through bush paths on motorcycles.

Farmers and local leaders lamented that the attacks have become a near-daily occurrence, with villagers killed, kidnapped, and dispossessed of their belongings.

The residents have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to urgently intervene and protect lives and property in the area.

The Chairman of the Faruruwa and Neighbourhood Security Committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, told journalists that security operatives deployed to the area are too few to confront the rampaging bandits.

“We have been facing serious security challenges since 2022. Bandits from Katsina and neighbouring states invade our communities almost daily. That is why we are calling on the government to come to our aid,” Bagobiri said.

According to Bagobiri, several lives have been lost, while hundreds of residents have fled their homes in fear. He disclosed that over 1,600 cows, numerous motorcycles, and farming machines have been stolen during the attacks.

“Just two days ago, they invaded our area with about 50 motorcycles, each carrying three persons — roughly 150 attackers. They killed people and stole livestock,” he added.

He said the Joint Task Force (JTF) stationed in the area has fewer than 15 personnel — a number he described as “grossly inadequate” to defend such a vast and volatile region.

“How can 10 or 15 security operatives confront over 150 armed men?” he asked.

Bagobiri acknowledged that both the Kano State Commissioner of Police and a senior Army Commander had recently visited the area to assess the situation. However, he noted that the attacks have persisted despite those visits.

He also revealed that some victims have been forced to pay huge ransoms to free kidnapped relatives.

“One of our residents, Alhaji Haruna Gatali, paid ₦15 million to secure the release of his wife,” Bagobiri lamented. “We sincerely hope the authorities will act quickly to restore peace and security to our communities.”